I am broken. I am struggling to keep myself above complete hopelessness. There is evil in this world and it was present in Minneapolis this weekend. This isn’t about legal enforcement of immigration laws. This is about clinging to Jesus and the call to walk humbly in this world upholding the dignity of all people.
Saturday morning I innocently went on social media to check in. I started to see posts about a shooting. Stunned, I went to the website of a local news station in an effort to get as accurate information as possible. I watched the only video available at that time. While I have been horrified by many things on the news over the years, this was different. It went to my core. I was physically shaking and in tears.
As a Christian and a practicing United Methodist, I focus on John Wesley’s three simple rules for a Christlike life: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. They are simple and very difficult at times. This is one of those times. I am left wondering where our sense of humanity has gone and deeply struggle with those who see this as justified. That is not a political statement though some will take it that way. This is about seeing and valuing each person as a sacred child of God.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[f]has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ[g] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[h]dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Colossians 3:12-17 NRSVUE).
It is time to hit our knees to evaluate our priorities and admit we are broken. I need to let the word of Christ teach and admonish me. At some point the person who pulled the trigger is going to realize that they took the life of a sacred human who had value and purpose. I pray that in that moment they realize that God forgives them. Claiming that is my own point of wrestling with God, but scripture is clear. Forgiveness is for all of us.
Lord, I confess that I have been inadequate in reflecting your love and compassion. I know that you are here in the midst of this horror. You love us as broken humans. Please continue to teach and admonish me and let my life breathe life and bring hope to others.